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Electric car switch on for health benefits

A study suggests that transitioning to electric vehicles could reduce cardiopulmonary illness due to air pollution, leading to improved quality of life. The research found that the financial costs of building charging infrastructure are lower than the health benefits in many scenarios.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles·DateMay 16, 2019

Cause of cathode degradation identified for nickel-rich materials

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified the causes of capacity fading in nickel-rich layered materials, which could lead to improved battery performance for electric vehicles. The team used multiple research techniques, including synchrotron light sources and machine learning, to pinpoint the problem and provide p...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 15, 2019

2D materials may enable electric vehicles to get 500 miles on a single charge

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed 15 new types of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides that can act as catalysts in lithium-air batteries. These materials enable batteries to store up to 10 times more energy and charge faster, potentially increasing electric vehicle range to 400-500 miles on a single charge.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 10, 2019

Building a better battery layer by layer

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a self-assembled monolayer coating that promotes efficient transportation within electrodes, suppressing side reactions in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. The coating improved power density and cyclability, allowing the battery to maintain capacity even after 100 cycles.

SourceShinshu University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 2018

Scoping magnetic fields out for prevention

Physicists develop mathematical formula to approximate magnetic field circulation around a closed path or loop, based on Biot-Savart's law. The study provides a new approach to evaluate the effects of magnetic fields on human health and prevent exposure.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJul 11, 2018

Volte-face: Research advises selling electric vehicles to untapped market of women

A new study by University of Sussex researchers recommends targeting highly educated women and retirees for electric vehicle sales, citing their environmental awareness and characteristics that make them ideal customers. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to increase electric car ownership, transcending gender neutral...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateJul 4, 2018

Environmental impact of electric vehicles in China? It depends on how they are charged

Researchers found that private electric vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by incentivizing slow charging, while electrifying buses and taxis is the most effective option for improving air quality in Beijing. The study's strategy aims to maximize the benefits of renewables by managing vehicle charging.

Fleet of automated electric taxis could deliver environmental and energy benefits

Researchers at Berkeley Lab analyzed the cost, energy, and environmental implications of a fleet of self-driving electric vehicles operating in Manhattan. They found that shared automated electric vehicles could get the job done at a lower cost while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 28, 2018

Automated electric taxis could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs

Researchers developed a model to test the cost and capabilities of a fleet of shared, automated electric vehicles in New York City. The study found that about 6,500 vehicles could be sustained on 1,500 medium-power electric vehicle chargers across Manhattan, resulting in a 33,000-ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 28, 2018

Electric car subsidies may do more harm than good

A new study by Concordia economics professor Ian Irvine reveals that electric vehicle (EV) subsidies could actually increase greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The subsidies encourage the production of more EVs but undermine efficiency requirements for conventional vehicles, resulting in a zero or negative near-term GHG benefit.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Public Policy·DateJun 7, 2017

Renewable energy needed to drive uptake of electric vehicles

A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateApr 3, 2017

'Ideal' energy storage material for electric vehicles developed

A team of Penn State materials scientists has developed a unique three-dimensional sandwich-like structure that protects the dense electric field in the polymer/ceramic composite from dielectric breakdown. The material has been shown to have high energy density, power density and excellent charge-discharge efficiency, making it highly ...

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2016

Converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into batteries

Researchers at Vanderbilt University and George Washington University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into batteries using graphite electrodes replaced with carbon material recovered from the atmosphere. This process produces carbon nanotubes that can be incorporated into lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, offering a ...

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 2, 2016

Simple mathematical formula models lithium-ion battery aging

A team of Penn State researchers has created a simple mathematical formula to predict the most influential factors in lithium-ion battery aging. The formula takes into account state of charge, charging/discharging frequency, operating temperature, and current to estimate battery degradation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateOct 30, 2015